President Bola Tinubu, also the chair of the ECOWAS authority of heads of state and government, has declared that West African leaders are fully committed to putting an end to terrorism and insecurity in the region.
Tinubu made this statement on Tuesday after a meeting in Abuja with Presidents Patrice Talon of Benin Republic, Umaru Sissoco Embalo of Guinea-Bissau, and Mohamed Bazoum of Niger.
During the meeting, Tinubu emphasized that the security challenges along the west coast were thoroughly assessed, and a well-funded strategy to combat terrorism would be implemented.
He further noted that each country within the region would devise its own approach to achieve the desired objectives of peace and security.
“We possess the necessary means to raise funds for this cause,” Tinubu affirmed. According to NAN, he stated, “Therefore, concerning our financial restructuring, we are confident in our capability to secure the required funds to tackle terrorism and insecurity in the region.”
In reading the meeting’s resolution to the press, Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, stated that the leaders conducted a comprehensive review of the political and security situations in the sub-region, focusing on the transitions in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea.
Touray elaborated that the leaders agreed that the transitions in these countries should adhere to ECOWAS protocols and align with their respective transition charters.
“Concerning the political situation in the sub-region, the leaders deliberated on the transitions in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea,” Touray explained. “Regarding these transitions, the leaders have decided to re-engage with these three countries at the highest levels.”
The President of Benin Republic, on behalf of the heads of state, will undertake a diplomatic mission to these countries as part of the Troika delegation, aiming to support a speedy transition to democracy guided by inclusiveness and credibility, as reaffirmed by the leaders.
With regards to security concerns, Touray highlighted the leaders’ commitment to mounting a strong regional response to any security threats in the area, which entails activating the ECOWAS plan of action.
“The regional response will involve the implementation of the ECOWAS plan of action, utilizing the region’s own military forces and financing. Contributions from external partners will be welcomed,” Touray emphasized.
He further explained that the security response would include support for individual member states within the region, incorporating specific peace and security frameworks.
In order to facilitate the region’s response to peace and security challenges, adequate resources will be allocated accordingly. These resolutions and commitments were reached during the closed-door session of the meeting.